Appeal Court Sacks MC Oluomo As NURTW President

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has officially removed Musiliu Akinsanya, also known as MC Oluomo, from his position as the President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). This decision was made by a three-judge panel, headed by Justice Hamma Barka, who upheld the ruling made earlier by the National Industrial Court on March 11, 2024. The industrial court had recognized Tajudeen Baruwa as the legitimate president of the union, a decision that has now been confirmed by the appellate court.

The case began when several individuals, including Najeem Yasin, Tajudeen Agbede, and others who claimed to be the rightful leaders of the NURTW, appealed the industrial court’s decision. They contested the recognition of Baruwa as the union’s president, arguing that the election was invalid. However, in a ruling delivered on November 8, 2024, the Court of Appeal dismissed their appeal, affirming Baruwa’s leadership.

In its judgment, the appellate court described the appeal as “devoid of merit” and ruled to uphold the earlier decision made by the National Industrial Court. Justice Barka, speaking on behalf of the panel, also imposed a cost of N100,000 on the appellants, to be paid to the respondents. This marks a significant legal setback for MC Oluomo and his supporters, as the court’s decision effectively nullifies his election as president of the union.

MC Oluomo’s election, which took place on November 9, 2024, at the NURTW’s zonal secretariat in Osun State, had been a controversial one. He was the only candidate standing for the position, and the election was held under contentious circumstances. Despite the lack of opposition, Akinsanya was sworn in as president on November 11, with Agbede and Akeem Adeosun also taking up their respective roles as Vice President for the South-West and trustee. However, with the appellate court’s ruling, these appointments are now invalid, and Baruwa is officially recognized as the legitimate president of the NURTW.

This ruling brings to an end the legal dispute that had been simmering within the union for some time, with various factions vying for control. The judgment reinforces the authority of the National Industrial Court’s earlier decision, further consolidating Baruwa’s position as the legitimate leader of the NURTW. The decision of the Court of Appeal marks a crucial moment in the ongoing battle for leadership within the union, with significant implications for its future governance.

In conclusion, the Court of Appeal’s ruling is a major victory for Tajudeen Baruwa and his supporters, while it represents a significant defeat for MC Oluomo, who had held the presidency of the NURTW for some time. The outcome also underscores the importance of judicial intervention in resolving leadership disputes within organizations, particularly those as influential as the NURTW. The case sets a precedent for how similar disputes will be handled in the future, ensuring that union leadership remains in the hands of those recognized by the courts.

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